PIA Press Release2006/10/13

Public support, appropriate laws needed to stop terrorism

by Rutchie Cabahug-Aguhob

Cagayan de Oro City (13 October) -- P/Chief Supt. Florante J. Baguio, Regional Director of the Philippine National Police, region 10, has called on the public to help prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the countryside.

Baguio, who issued the call in the wake of the recent bombing that killed six people and wounded 29 others in Makila, North Cotabato, said he supports the directive of Pres. Arroyo for a PNP-AFP team up in probing the incident and for the GRP-MILF ceasefire committees and joint action group to help in the identification and interdiction of the bombers.

“The fight against terror, however, is everybody’s concern and the government shall continue to neutralize the terrorists with the full backing of the public. Our local government units with the help of the citizens can provide the backbone for addressing terrorism,” he said.

Baguio said he agrees with the President in putting the local government units (LGUs) on alert and directing them to implement their respective contingency and anti-terrorism networks and plans.

Meanwhile, he said, a total war by all peace-loving citizens should be declared against the CPP/NPA for the recent bombing of the Silay International Airport in Bacolod City that destroyed the construction equipment of the airport project.

What they did was a not only a direct assault on the people whose jobs are at stake in the construction of the airport, but also on the government’s development vision to alleviate poverty.

“The CPP/NPA thrives on poverty, hence, they have to sabotage any development project so people will remain forever poor and can use the issue against the government,” he said.

Again, the problem on insurgency cannot be solved by the military and police operations alone or by the LGUs and the populace who should work hand-in-hand in addressing it, but also with an appropriate law to deal with the terror groups, Baguio pointed out.

Moreover, he said, part of PNP-10’s plans is that all their units in the region will secure the full support and assistance of the LGUs to review, evaluate and effectively implement their Integrated Area/Community Public Safety Plan (IA/CPSP) through their respective Peace and Order Councils (POCs),

Deputation of barangay tanods to include the training of civilian volunteers and special CAFGUs will also be instituted to further strengthen the involvement of the citizenry in the suppression of rebellion and other threats to the national security, he added. (PIA 10) [top]